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Neuer ´on schedule´ but Heynckes won´t rush Bayern star

Jupp Heynckes says Manuel Neuer's recovery from injury is on track but the coach insists he will not rush the Bayern Munich star back into action.

Neuer suffered a repeat hairline fracture of a metatarsal in his left foot in training in September and was forced to undergo surgery.

The 31-year-old said in October he could be out for as much as six months but it has been suggested he could return shortly after the winter break.

However, Heynckes says the goalkeeper will only play again when he is 100 per cent fit.

"I think he is on schedule," the Bayern boss told a news conference on Tuesday. "But I've always protected my players. With me, no player starts again until he has recovered completely. That's why there's no pressure from my side at all."

Sven Ulreich has deputised for Neuer and has impressed in recent weeks in particular, keeping four clean sheets in his last five Bundesliga appearances, including in Saturday's 3-0 win over Augsburg.

The 29-year-old has been surprised by some of that praise, given it has swiftly followed criticism of some early-season performances, but he is happy with the renewed defensive strength Heynckes has brought about since replacing Carlo Ancelotti in October.